Leeds United owner Massimo Cellini poised to sack Dave Hockaday after defeat at Watford
Telegraph 23/8/14
Manager's short time in charge at Elland Road set to come to an end as Italian owner prepares to wield the axe
Dave Hockaday’s brief spell in charge of Leeds United appeared to be close to an end on Saturday night after they lost 4-1 at Watford.
The defeat left Leeds one place outside of the relegation places having lost three of their first four games and owner Massimo Cellino is now poised to act.
The two sides went into the break level after a Gabriel Tamas own goal cancelled out Fernando Forestieri’s opener.
But Watford pulled clear after the break when Troy Deeney scored a penalty after Forestieri had been fouled by Giuseppe Bellusci.
The defender was sent off and Forestieri and Daniel Tozser added the third and fourth goals. Leeds’ misery was compounded when Sam Byram was sent off after clashing with Daniel Pudil in stoppage time.
Hockaday had no doubt the game swung on Bellusci’s foul on Forestieri and the subsequent penalty.
Asked if Bellusci had to carry the can for the defeat, Hockaday replied: “Yes, he knows that.
“I’ve told him in no uncertain terms, he’s apologised to the team for what it’s worth but it’s something I can’t legislate for with regards to the coaching. The players are taking on board the way we want to play, I think everyone can see that. We’re trying to turn this big ship around which is going to take time but moments like that don’t help.”
Manager's short time in charge at Elland Road set to come to an end as Italian owner prepares to wield the axe
Dave Hockaday’s brief spell in charge of Leeds United appeared to be close to an end on Saturday night after they lost 4-1 at Watford.
The defeat left Leeds one place outside of the relegation places having lost three of their first four games and owner Massimo Cellino is now poised to act.
The two sides went into the break level after a Gabriel Tamas own goal cancelled out Fernando Forestieri’s opener.
But Watford pulled clear after the break when Troy Deeney scored a penalty after Forestieri had been fouled by Giuseppe Bellusci.
The defender was sent off and Forestieri and Daniel Tozser added the third and fourth goals. Leeds’ misery was compounded when Sam Byram was sent off after clashing with Daniel Pudil in stoppage time.
Hockaday had no doubt the game swung on Bellusci’s foul on Forestieri and the subsequent penalty.
Asked if Bellusci had to carry the can for the defeat, Hockaday replied: “Yes, he knows that.
“I’ve told him in no uncertain terms, he’s apologised to the team for what it’s worth but it’s something I can’t legislate for with regards to the coaching. The players are taking on board the way we want to play, I think everyone can see that. We’re trying to turn this big ship around which is going to take time but moments like that don’t help.”